Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 30)
Our Kids. Our City. Our Future.
IN THIS ISSUE - April 5, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Watch it ON DEMAND
Two Individuals Selected For This Year’s Class of SHS Distinguished Alumni
Issue 4 - SCS Operating Levy on May 7 Ballot
“The ‘Ville” Shirts Now Available at Where I’m From at SouthPark Mall
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Laura Zwolenik, Preschool Special Education Aide
SHS Musical “Sister Act” - Performances on Thu. 4/11, Fri. 4/12, & Sat. 4/13
SMS Vaccination Clinic - Tue. 4/30
“We Are Strongsville” - Mrs. Baraga, Intervention Specialist at Chapman Elementary
Strongsville Football Backers Annual Mulch Sale
PayForIt Transition to PaySchools Central
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, April 10 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Chapman Elementary Science Night
Thursday, April 11 - Saturday, April 13
SHS Musical - “Sister Act”
4/11 - 7:00pm / 4/12 - 7:30pm / 4/13 - 7:30pm
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Purchase advance tickets HERE
Friday, April 12 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (5th - 8th Grade)
Strongsville Middle School
Theme: Hawaiian
Tuesday, April 16 - 7:00pm
All City Band Concert I
Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium
Wednesday, April 17 - 7:00pm
All City Band Concert II
Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium
Thursday, April 18 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, April 19
NO SCHOOL (Good Friday)
Monday, April 22
NO SCHOOL (Professional Development Day for Teachers & Staff)
Click HERE for a complete listing of April events for our District
DID YOU KNOW?
Strongsville High School was recently recognized with 19 other local high schools and colleges for their continued support of COAR - a children's home in Zaragoza, El Salvador. The St. Romero Solidarity Award was given to SHS, thanks to the efforts of Mrs. Barba-Minor and her students.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This year’s SHS Musical, “Sister Act”, premiers next Thursday (4/11) at 7:00pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. Before the curtain goes up, many hours of preparation and coordination between performers, musicians, choreographers, and stage crew will occur. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more about the dedication of many to bring a fantastic performance to the stage next week.
ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is now available to watch ON DEMAND. This presentation includes updates on the present and future state of our District from
Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent.
Click HERE for the presentation slides
Click HERE for the entire recorded presentation
TWO INDIVIDUALS SELECTED FOR THIS YEAR’S CLASS OF SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Congratulations to this year’s class of Strongsville High School Distinguished Alumni - Mrs. Jane (Yanacsek) Swiger and Mr. Paul Sidoti. Both will be honored at the upcoming Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Tuesday, April 16 from 11:30am - 1:00pm at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Recreation Center.
Mrs. Jane (Yanacsek) Swiger (SHS Class of 1970) - A retired Strongsville City Schools teacher, Mrs. Swiger has been a part of Strongsville schools for 44 years. Currently, she works as a classroom aide at Strongsville Middle School. A true ambassador for Strongsville and our school district, Mrs. Swiger has been a positive influence on many students and throughout our community.
Mr. Paul Sidoti (SHS Class of 1989) - Mr. Sidoti has toured since December 2007 as lead guitarist/vocalist for Grammy award winning and multi platinum selling artist Taylor Swift. A well-respected musician locally, nationally, and internationally, he has performed throughout the world, and appeared on numerous television variety and awards shows.
Tickets for this luncheon honoring our SHS Distinguished Alumni may be purchased through the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce either by phone (440.238.3366) or via the Chamber’s website (www.strongsvillechamber.com). Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased before 12pm on Friday, April 12.
ISSUE 4 - SCS OPERATING LEVY ON MAY 7 BALLOT
Issue 4 is the 5.9 mill, five year limited operating levy for Strongsville City Schools on the upcoming ballot in May. Funds generated from this operating levy will provide financial stability for our District through the 2026-2027 school year. Looking for more information about Issue 4? Click HERE for additional facts about Issue 4.
“THE ‘VILLE” SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE AT 'WHERE I’M FROM' AT SOUTHPARK MALL
'Where I’m From,' local retailer at SouthPark Mall, has created another limited edition of their popular “The ‘Ville” shirt. The t-shirt is available NOW at SouthPark Mall. All proceeds from “The ‘Ville” t-shirt sales will be donated to the Strongsville Education Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by the Strongsville City Schools.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LAURA ZWOLENIK, PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION AIDE
Mrs. Laura Zwolenik, Special Education Aide for the Early Learning Preschool, has been working in our District for eight years. Mrs. Zwolenik has worked at both the elementary school and middle school levels - this is her first year working with our preschool students. A resident of Strongsville for 23 years, Mrs. Zwolenik has two children that have graduated from Strongsville High School. Mrs. Zwolenik earned her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University and spent the first part of her career in business, before moving into education.
“This year has been a fun year with our three, four, and five-year olds. Our preschool students bring such energy and excitement to the classroom each and every day. There is always something new for them to explore,” said Mrs. Zwolenik.
She added, “I have always encountered a complete team approach between the teachers and Special Education Aides that I have worked with in my positions with our District. Open communication and collaboration keeps our students best interest at the forefront of all we do.”
Thank you Mrs. Zwolenik for helping to build a solid foundation in our preschool students and preparing them for kindergarten! #WeAreStrongsville
SHS MUSICAL “SISTER ACT” - PERFORMANCES ON THU. 4/11, FRI. 4/12, & SAT. 4/13
Don’t miss next week’s performances of “Sister Act” - this year’s Strongsville High School musical. Opening night is Thursday, April 11 at 7pm. Weekend performances include Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 - both shows at 7:30pm. Advance tickets may be purchased online HERE.
SMS VACCINATION CLINIC - TUE. 4/30
The Ohio Department of Health requires all students to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade: one (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine and one (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine. 7th grade students will need to show proof of having received the Meningococcal vaccine and the Tdap vaccine before returning to school for the 2019-20 school year.
On April 30, 2019, in partnership with Health Heroes, a vaccination clinic will be offered at Strongsville Middle School from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 p.m. Health Heroes Vaccination Clinic is completely voluntary and is offered to ALL 6th grade students at NO COST to families, regardless of their insurance coverage.
If you wish for your child to participate, please COMPLETELY fill out and sign the 2018-2019 Vaccine Consent Form (Consent forms are also available at Strongsville Middle School main office). These forms need to be returned to the Strongsville Middle School Clinic by April 25th, 2019 to secure vaccine doses for your student.
Click HERE for the letter with complete information.
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MRS. BARAGA, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY
What makes Strongsville City Schools a special place? Click HERE for thoughts from Mrs. Baraga, Intervention Specialist at Chapman Elementary, as she discusses her passion for helping ALL students reach their fullest potential. #WeAreStrongsville
STRONGSVILLE FOOTBALL BACKERS ANNUAL MULCH SALE
Looking to spruce up your yard this spring? The Strongsville Football Backers can help! Their annual mulch sale will have your yard looking the “best on your block.” Click HERE for the flyer with additional order information.
PAYFORIT TRANSITION TO PAYSCHOOLS CENTRAL
PayForIt has upgraded their online payment platform to PaySchools Central. Strongsville City Schools is transitioning from PayForIt to PaySchools Central. Although this upgrade is intended to be seamless, you will have to register with PaySchools Central, using a desktop or laptop computer with your PayForIt credentials. The auto-replenishment feature in PayForIt will not be activated in PaySchools Central until you login to PaySchools Central for the first time. Once registered, you will be able to use the PaySchools Mobile App, which will need to be downloaded from your app store.
Please login to PaySchools Central to transition your PayForIt account to PaySchools Central. All current PayForIt account balances will transfer over to your PaySchool Central account once this process is complete.
The complete step by step instructions are available by clicking the link here.
Please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 440-572-7021 or devangelista@scsmustangs.org if you have any questions or need assistance.
WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
STAY SAFE. SPEAK UP!
Strongsville City Schools encourages students, teachers, staff, parents, and other members of our community to report any instances of potential violence, bullying, self-harm or any other issue where students may be at risk. The Stay Safe. Speak Up! link is located in the shortcuts along the right hand side on the homepage of the District website (www.strongnet.org). It can also be found on the homepage of each of our individual building websites. Reporting incidents can be made anonymously online or through a toll free number (1-866-listen2me / 1-866-547-8362).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our fourth session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, April 26 & May 3, 10, 17, & 24 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us! Please click HERE to register or contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information.
Heartbeats Community Performance
Don’t miss a FREE community show featuring the Heartbeats & Strongsville Jump Rope Club TOMORROW (Sat. 4/6) at 7pm. Their high energy, family fun performance will take place in the Strongsville High School gym.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Don’t miss YMCA Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 13th from 2-4pm at Quicken Loans Arena. The event will awaken imagination, so kids can explore new activities and healthy habits. Visit www.ClevelandYMCA.org to register for this fun, family-friendly event. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 27th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades K-8 emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but are also a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps are directed by former Strongsville High School and Kent State University player Mike Klinzing who has more than 25 years of basketball camp experience.
The Head Start Basketball Camps are held at the Strongsville Rec Center. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, & July 8-12, 201. Each camp runs from 1:30—4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $95. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register. http://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps
Great Lakes Science Center - Camp Curiosity
Register NOW for Camp Curiosity at the Great Lakes Science Center. Camp Curiosity takes place this summer, beginning June 3 featuring Legos, rockets, experiments, robots, and MORE! Visit GreatScience.com/camps to register or click HERE for the event flyer.
Healthy Kids Running Series
Don’t miss the “Healthy Kids Running Series” - April 28, May 5, 12, 19, & June 2 at the Westlake Recreation Department (28955 Hilliard Blvd.). All races begin at 2pm. Register for the full series or individual races at healthykidsrunningseries.org or click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following events hosted by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Registration is required for all events. Please call 440.238.3366 to register or for more information. Those interested may also visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and to see more event information.
April Luncheon - Strongsville High School Distinguished Alumni
Tuesday, April 16
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
$20 / person
Business After Hours
Wednesday, April 24
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparkling Waters Spa & Salon (19820 West 130th St.)
21 & Over, please - RSVP at www.strongsvillechamber.com
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 2019 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our Spring story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
State of the Art Recording Studio Open to the Public!
The Strongsville Branch Library has Audio and Video Recording Studios open to the public. Customers interested in using Garage Band, iMovie, and the Adobe Suite to create sound recordings, video recordings, and more are welcome to sign-up for studio time up to one week in advance. In order to use the studio, customers must first attend an orientation session. Drop-in orientations will be held on Tuesdays - Audio studio orientation from 2:30-3:00 p.m. Video studio orientation from 3:00-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Audio studio orientation from 9:30-10:00 a.m. and Video studio orientation from 10:00-10:30 a.m. No registration is needed. Please show up on time for these orientations. For more information on the studio and how to book studio time, please call (440) 238-5530.
Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced users. Many of our classes offer Northstar Digital Literacy Certification. All classes are free. Registration begins 30 days before each class date. Classes are for adults age 18 and over. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes.aspx
Here are the upcoming classes:
Monday, April 8th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Excel 1
Monday, April 8th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 2
Tuesday, April 9th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Excel 3
Southwest General Hearing Screenings. Wednesday, April 10th / 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The Community Nurses of Southwest General Hospital will be here to offer free hearing screenings. Reservations are required. Please call Southwest for an appointment at (440) 816-4037.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, April 13th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Emergency Preparedness. Monday, April 15th / 7:00 p.m.
The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management will provide information on the types of incidents that could occur and what it means to be prepared. Plus learn what to include in an emergency kit.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Food Labels & Portion Sizes. Tuesday, April 16th at 10:00 a.m. Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital.
Join us as we discuss the new and improved USDA nutrition facts label. Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian from Southwest General Health Center will help us make informed food choices that contribute to healthy eating habits. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and SouthPark Mall in Strongsville. The Club provides an opportunity for community residents to improve their health by walking for exercise in a safe interesting and climate-controlled facility. Walk at the mall first then come over to the Library for this informative wellness talk! For more information call (440) 816-4037.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome!
For this month, we are reading Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. Books can be picked up at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, April 19th / 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
In just an hour of your time you can help save up to three lives. Make sure hospital patients get the treatment they need. Donate blood today. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call the American Red Cross at (216) 431-3010.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 22nd at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month. New Members Welcome!
Our next discussion title will be The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Word War II: Life on the Home Front. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 p.m.
In honor and remembrance of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Strongsville Historical Society, in partnership with the Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, presents a program about World War II and what life was like on the home front during the war. The presentation will include a slide show and collection of artifacts. Guests are invited to bring artifacts that they would like to display and share with those in attendance. Light refreshments will be provided at this free event. All are welcome! Event held in the Large Meeting Room at Strongsville Branch Library.
Green Screen Workshop. For Teens ages 10-18. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Learn about chroma-key technology by experimenting with a green screen and create a miniature green screen of your very own. This program fulfills some requirements of the Girl Scout Junior Entertainment Technology badge. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Screen Printing. Wednesday, April 24th / 7:00 – 8:45 p.m.
Get creative and screen print a tote bag at the Strongsville library! We will provide the supplies! Sponsored by the Friends of the Strongsville Library Branch. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Who Dun’it? For grades 2 – 3. Saturday, April 27th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Test your reading and detective skills to help us solve a mystery! We’ll tell you a little bit about what has happened. Then, with a few clues and witnesses, you can reveal the true culprit of our crime. Will YOU figure out who dun’it?
round the Block: Blockchain Technology Information Session. Monday, April 29th / 7:00 p.m.
Big things are happening in Northeast Ohio with the momentum around blockchain technology and influx of community support and innovation. Blockchain technology is set to disrupt nearly every industry, allowing for secure, real-time, fully-transparent transactions of data and value. Join us for an info session with a representative from Flashstarts to learn more about blockchain and how the organization is supporting local efforts. Students, startup founders, investors, corporate partners, and any community members interested in learning more about these efforts are encouraged to attend. For more info and to register visit http://www.flashstarts.com/infosessions/
Success with Succulents. Tuesday, April 30th / 7:00 p.m.
Succulents can be more than “Hens and Chicks”. The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will introduce you to many unusual varieties, teach you how to grow and care for them, and help you to design interesting planters.
Stay Connected with Strongsville City Schools
Strongsville High School * Muraski Elementary *
Strongsville Middle School * Surrarrer Elementary *
Chapman Elementary * Whitney Elementary *
Kinsner Elementary * Early Learning Preschool
Website: www.strongnet.org
Location: Strongsville City Schools, 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: (440) 572-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/strongsvillecs
Twitter: @strongsvillecs